Totora Furniture at Maison & Objet 2013

Juan Fernando Hidalgo Cordero's designs embody the juncture of modernity and tradition

by Dora Haller Totora is a thick, hollow grass that grows along lakeshores high in South America’s Andes Mountains. This indigenous plant has been used for generations to build everything from houses to floors, hats and even boats. Ecuadorian architect and designer Juan Fernando Hidalgo Cordero identified the astounding versatility of the material and imaginatively expanded its usage—by creating furniture with it. CH met with …

Pavé Milano

Bakery, pastry shop and food laboratory mix with the ideal "Grandma's house" living room in Milan

“A living room with a laboratory” is how Pavé defines itself. Located in Milan in the trendy area of Porta Venezia, this bakery and pastry shop represents a singular case of young entrepreneurship and quest for quality in food. Pavé was born just 16 months ago with a specific focus on breakfast and tasty treats, but has soon become a reference point in quality pastry …

Cool Hunting Video: David Adjaye for Knoll

The renowned furniture brand recruits a brilliant young architect to create a fantastically structural chair

Recently, CH spoke to architect and designer David Adjaye, a rising star whose award-winning firm is working on the National Museum of African American History and Culture for the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. A thoughtful and charming individual, Adjaye has a very clear vision of his relationship with structures and design. But this was challenged when he was given the opportunity to take a break …